CHRISTIAN REFLECTIONs ON ADDICTION

NOTE: There is also a secular version of this series available. It is called: Dying to Know: A Course on Addiction Awareness Within Our Society (see below). The secular version is a non-religious program in the same format of WE THIRST designed for ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. It is highly recommended especially for those in the criminal justice system, the medical field, educators, counselors, etc.

DESCRIPTION:

Addiction is a disease of the body, mind, and spirit that affects the afflicted, those who love them, and society at large. The lack of solid information exacerbates fear, induces shame, and produces an unwarranted stigma — all of which hinder the healing process. An informational and formational series of four evenings of reflection or a weekend retreat, this program examines the four aspects of the bio-psycho-social-spiritual disease of addiction. Each seminar focuses on one aspect and explores the problem and considers various solutions. It is intended for all members of the community including the afflicted and their families and friends, counselors, nurses, ministers, deacons, those in the criminal justice system, educators, and anyone with an empathetic heart who would like to receive and spread awareness, education, guidance, encouragement, and hope.

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We Thirst: Lessons in Mercy

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The National Association of Social Workers -PA Chapter will award 8 CEs upon completion of this course.

The National Association of Social Workers -NJ Chapter will award 8 CEs upon completion of this course.

The National Association of Catholic Chaplains has approved this program for a total of 8..0 Continuing Education Hours if all four sessions are attended.

The provider of this educational event has designed the program so that it may be considered by participants for use as continuing education to enhance the professional knowledge and pastoral competency of chaplains certified through the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc.® an affiliate of the Association of Professional Chaplains™

A Course on addiction awareness within our society

NOTE: This is a secular version of the WE THIRST series (above). This is a non-religious, secular program in the same format of above designed for ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. It is highly recommended especially for those in the criminal justice system, the medical field, educators, counselors, etc.

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The Municipal Police Officers’ Education & Training Commission has approved this series for 8 Continuing Law Enforcement Education credit hours.

A People Afire

(Sequel to the WE THIRST Series)

In his apostolic exhortation The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis invites parishes "to be bold and creative in our . . . methods of evangelization." He reminds us: "What counts above all is 'faith working through love' (Gal 5:6)." The pope calls us to "draw near to . . . the addicted . . . any many others" (210).

Designed as a sequel to the WE THIRST series, this educational and contemplative evening will suggest and encourage specific community action plans. We will recall our Christian identity as "a people" with a mission to serve and consider tangible ways to put that mission into action in the midst of the addiction epidemic.

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A People Adrift

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letting love in:

from agony to acceptance

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Letting Love In

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Acceptance is one of the keys to spiritual freedom and inner peace. We are told to accept ourselves, others, and situations in our lives, but oftentimes it is we who have to let go, open our arms, and allow ourselves to be accepted. God is love, but even His love must be accepted. Have we considered allowing God to accept us and love us exactly as we are? Do we have the courage to sit vulnerably open to receive His infinite love? If not, what is blocking us? This retreat will explore our deep desire and need to be accepted for who we are. Join us as we let go of guilt and shame and vulnerably open our minds, hearts and arms to embrace God’s acceptance and let Him love us completely.

WHO AM I? WHY AM I HERE?

Who am I? Why am I here? Is there more to life than this? These age-old question are important to all of us, and yet they seem to be asked less today in our busy, modern lives. Young adults are more educated and more connected than ever, and at the same time more stressed, in debt, addicted, and confused. While technology has advanced humanity in many ways, our spiritual roots remain much the same. There remains a yearning, a longing, an emptiness that money cannot buy, success cannot achieve, and one that our increasingly secular society does not discuss. If you feel unhappy and unfulfilled, come join us as we explore the depths of our lives and the meaning of our existence. This program is designed for young adults ages 18-30.

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Who Am I? Why Am I Here?

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contemplation of the choices

The Catholic Church’s doctrine on the Hypostatic Union teaches us that Jesus is fully human and fully divine, yet we do not take the time to consider the implications of Jesus’ humanity and the lessons therein. Jesus walked the earth at a particular time, and he was faced with decisions just as we are. His choices reveal to us much about the very real man — Jesus of Nazareth — and what he asks of those who follow him. This retreat will explore the radical choices that Jesus made during his lifetime as well as our responses to similar choices in our lives.

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Contemplation of the Choices

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God Calling

Our vocation is who we are and what we were born to do. Modern society typically offers us jobs or careers, but often these are simply about getting and spending more. We rarely talk about vocation unless we are referring to those called to a religious vocation; however, we all have a vocation or a calling. When we discover it, we discover that which fills us completely as human beings. Join us on this retreat as we pray to hear the silent whisper that reveals your deepest callings and your life’s mission.

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God Calling

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The proven benefits of spirituality in recovery

Spirituality has long been respected as "a driving force in (addiction) recovery, yet it is simultaneously an increasingly disputed resource. As the field of science thankfully becomes more involved in the treatment of addiction, the role of spirituality is becoming somewhat unclear and more intensely debated. Proponents on either side of the pendulum frequently argue vehemently for or against its necessity and validity. Such all or nothing mentality is a disservice to those suffering because as human beings we are comprised of body, mind and spirit. This reality necessitates a holistic approach to treatment of a disease that impacts all aspects of human nature. This presentation will define and explore the nature of authentic spirituality and is evidence-based role in addiction recovery.

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The Proven Benefits of Spirituality in Recovery

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COMFORT THE SORROWFUL

An evening of prayer and presentations on the Spiritual Work of Mercy: Comforting the Sorrowful. Nina explores the meaning of mercy and our obligation to perform these works. What does comfort look like? How do we give and receive it? What does our faith teach us about the comfort of God and comforting others? All this and more is presented with lecture, music, meditation, and prayer to enlighten the mind and awaken the soul.

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Comfort the Sorrowful

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visio divina (divine seeing)

VisioDivina is Latin for "Holy Seeing" or "Divine Looking.” This Christian prayer practice is similar to the practice of Lectio Divina but utilizes images to perhaps call us more deeply into scripture passages that we have heard many times before. Visio Divina awakens our imagination, intuition, and our senses and reveals God’s Word to us in new ways. This retreat will explore this illuminating prayer practice. We will use various images and other media to awaken our hearts and minds in news ways. We will also have the opportunity to create our own images.

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Visio Divina

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